The State Historical Society of Iowa offers several resources to help Iowans recover from weather-related and other setbacks, including the Covid-19 pandemic. The State Historical Society can also help Iowans connect with regional and federal forms of assistance.
Contact Us
If you have any questions, please email us at iowa.culture@iowa.gov to connect with a staff member who can help.
Derecho Storm of August 2020
Private nonprofits and local governments in all the Iowa counties in the federally designated disaster area may be eligible for funding through the Iowa Department of Homeland Security & Emergency Management and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Check the eligibility requirements (on pages 45-46 of the FEMA guide) and read the complete guidelines.
Small Business Administration disaster loans.
If you work at a history museum or own a listed historic property, it may be eligible for an emergency grant from the Historical Resource Development Program. Learn more.
Covid-19
Please see State Historical Society's evolving list of resources for responding to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Other Emergency Resources
- Disaster preparedness resources assembled by the Iowa Arts Council are specifically designed to assist Iowa artists and cultural organizations.
- Toolkits for the Local History Network, a program of the State Historical Society of Iowa, include reliable tips about caring for artifacts, handling hazardous materials and planning for disasters.
- The Heritage Emergency National Task Force offers one of the most concise lists of resources available for disaster recovery. The task force is co-sponsored by FEMA and the Smithsonian Institution, in partnership with more than 60 national service organizations and federal agencies. The task force's resources include funding options as well as guidance about health and safety.
- The National Parks Service's Conserve-O-Grams offer practical advice about salvaging historic collections from damage, including tips on drying and freezing wet materials to minimize damage.
- For additional technical assistance, contact the Ford Conservation Center in Omaha (402-595-1180) or the Midwest Art Conservation Center in Minneapolis (612-870-3120).